Cheers to 55 Years!

On December 31, 1969 and every day for 100 years before, two cities could be found at the head of Lake Superior: Fort William and Port Arthur, but as the clock struck midnight on January 1, 1970, the two cities (and the townships of Neebing and McIntyre) came together to become one city – Thunder Bay.

In the last 55 years, Thunder Bay has seen change and development, hosted world-class events and lived through some interesting times - learn what really happened for those it really happened to on Superior Stories on Country 105FM and SoundCloud.

In 2020, visitors, friends and family from around the world joined residents in celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the amalgamation of Port Arthur and Fort William to create the city of Thunder Bay!

One City. Fifty Years.

Special Celebration Events

Summer in Thunder Bay is always filled with fun festivals and events, but 2020 saw many of these events are being enhanced to celebrate the anniversary in a special way including a Homecoming and From Here Music Festival.

Each week during July and August, Thunder Bay hosts a Live on the Waterfront event - the FREE summer outdoor concert series that has happened every year for well over 100 years featuring live music from exciting local and often very well-known touring bands and performance artists, fun outdoor activities, food trucks and retail vendors.

Live at the Waterfront events are always Wednesday evenings, but on August 20 & 21, Live at the Waterfront will host a special 2-day event for anyone who has lived in or visited Thunder Bay, or anyone who has ever wanted to – so basically everyone.

Use the Thunder Bay Events Calendar to find an up-to-date listing of events happening around town.

What's New?

Some of Thunder Bay’s greatest attractions are natural wonders that have been there for millions of years, but in the last 55 years Thunder Bay has seen the opening of brand new hotels and many exciting visitor attractions including Fort William Historical Park. The city has also welcomed an increase in guiding and outfitting companies that can assist visitors in having the most epic outdoor adventures in, on and around our natural wonders: Explore Lake Superior with a Sail Superior Big Lake Adventure – options include sailboat, high-speed Zodiac and brand-new this year, Catamaran tours; or try a sea kayaking adventure with S.A.N.D. Adventures or stay in a lighthouse on Porphyry Island. Maybe try rock climbing, or mountain biking - there's guides and rental equipment available. 

One City. Fifty Years Logo

When you arrive, you will see the One City. Fifty Years logo all around town. It is on street banners, many city staff uniforms and more. It will also appear on many event listings/posters as many events (both city-run and community-organized) are 50^th-themed or offering an additional celebratory flair.

The 50 represents the coming together of two cities – the grain elevators, waterfront, breakwall and views of the Sleeping Giant of Port Arthur in the 5 and the parks, rail history, views of Mount McKay and City Hall in Fort William in the 0. 

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